Fiji and SPC collaborate to boost disaster preparedness and climate resilience

In response to the escalating threats of climate change, including rising sea levels, climate-induced displacement, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, a new partnership between Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Pacific Community (SPC) highlights a commitment to fortifying the resilience of Fiji and the wider Pacific region.

The World Bank estimates that Fiji will sustain average annual losses of FJD 158 million due to earthquakes and tropical cyclones. Additionally, there is a 50 percent chance that Fiji will experience a loss exceeding FJD1,500 million within the next 50 years.

These statistics highlight the severe economic impact of extreme weather events on Fiji and underscore the importance of disaster risk management and climate adaptation strategies. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDMO and SPC is a proactive measure to address the significant challenges posed by these environmental threats to the livelihoods and safety of local communities.

The partnership’s initiative is part of the second phase of the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP II) project. The project, funded by the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), aims to strengthen disaster resilience and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

At the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mr. Isoa Talemaibua said, “This collaborative effort underscores our collective commitment to bolstering our nation's resilience in the face of adversity. It heralds a new chapter characterised by concerted action to fortify our communities and enhance our preparedness for impending disasters.”

“A substantial funding of FJD 1.8 million has been allocated to drive forward a comprehensive suite of initiatives, encompassing integrated data management, localised risk assessments, policy refinement, collaborative frameworks, and stakeholder engagement—a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable progress,” said Mr Talemaibua

He added, “While these initiatives may not single-handedly resolve all challenges, they symbolise our unwavering resolve to combat the escalating threats posed by rising sea levels, climate-induced displacement, and the unrelenting onslaught of extreme weather events, which threaten the very fabric of Fijian livelihoods.”

Since 2016, the initial phase of the BSRP Programme has facilitated critical developments in Fiji’s disaster risk management and climate adaptation strategies. This period saw achievements, such as the relocation of Tukuraki Village to safeguard residents from landslide risks and enhancements to Fiji’s Emergency Operations Centers, thereby boosting the nation's crisis response capabilities.

The Programme Manager for Climate Adaptation and DRR at the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Mr Gabor Sasvari, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “With today’s signing, we are not just endorsing a document but continuing our long years of partnership and shared vision for a safer, more resilient Pacific. This collaboration is a testament to our collective dedication to strengthening the resilience of Pacific economies, societies and communities, which can safeguard our future against the uncertainties of extreme weather events,” said Mr. Sasvari.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy-Director General, Dr Paula Vivili expressed gratitude to the Fiji Government for its endorsement of BSRP II activities and commended the NDMO for successfully attaining Cabinet’s endorsement of the National Risk Management Bill.

"The updated legislation, once passed, will expand NDMO’s operations, enhancing our ability to manage the dynamic threats posed by natural hazards more effectively,” said Dr Vivili.

He added, "SPC stands in solidarity with Fiji’s efforts to improve resilience to natural hazard events and reduce the impacts of climate change. Today’s signing is a testament to our united commitment to the people we serve."

The BSRP II project is implemented in 15 Pacific Island countries, which include: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.